Coal mines to recreational opportunities on the Indiana border
Danville, Illinois, in the eastern part of the state, on the Indiana border, has a rich coal mining and industrial past. After many of the coal mines closed in the start of the 20th century, some have become large parks. “Whether it’s city, county or a state park, recreation is end to end in the Danville area,” says Tracey Fentem, sales and events coordinator at the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. The parks in the city often are the site for community events. “Volunteers run a lot of these, and there’s usually no problem getting them,” says Andrea Calamari, a Realtor with Classic Homes Realty. “That’s the spirit of this area.”
Kickapoo State Recreation Area river freezes in the winter time.
Winter Park has vast open spaces used for a variety of outdoor activities and sports.
1/2
City and Vermilion County parkland total over 15,000 acres
There are nearly two dozen parks in Danville, which, combined with surrounding Vermilion County, total over 15,000 acres. Kickapoo State Recreation Area has almost 35 miles of hiking trails that attract cross-country skiers in the winter, and plenty of ponds and lakes are suitable for canoeing and warm and cold weather fishing. Winter Park is on the city's north end, with multiple soccer and baseball fields and a 10,000-square-foot playground accessible to children of all abilities. Golfers enjoy the public courses at Harrison Park Golf Course and Turtle Run Golf Club.
Winter Park has two baseball diamonds with room to spare.
Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a vast network of waterways snaking around and though the park.
1/2
First Fridays in downtown Danville
Every month, the community gets together in downtown Danville for events on the first Friday that are either free or low-cost. During the winter, indoor activities include Danville’s Got Talent at the Fischer Theatre. During the summer, street festivals include live music and carnivals. The Vermilion Regional Airport on the city's north side is the site for Balloons Over Vermilion, a hot-air balloon festival over two days in July. Arts in the Park has been a long-standing tradition in Lincoln Park, held annually in late June.
History in Danville
Abraham Lincoln practiced law in the Danville area in the mid-19th century before he became president. The Vermilion County Museum on North Gilbert Street features a reproduction of the courthouse where Lincoln spent most of his time. The Fithian House on the museum property is connected to Lincoln, an 1855 Italianate home. The Lamon House on the west side of Lincoln Park is an 1850 cottage home to Lincoln’s law partner. Not connected to Lincoln, the Fischer Theatre opened in 1884 and started as an opera house. It was vacant for at least 15 years before the Vermilion Heritage Foundation took the reins and restored the building. Today, it has live music and classic movies.
You'll find murals of Abraham Lincoln all around the Danville area.
The Vermilion County Museum in Danville, IL was organized in May of 1964.
1/2
Danville houses well below the national average
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average. North of downtown are pockets of homes around or over 100 years old. Most of the housing in Danville is single-family, while there are far fewer condos and multi-family houses. “You can have a lakefront house or one that backs up to a golf course for $300,000,” Calamari says. “There are many people who commute to Champaign because of that.”
The Danville Police Department said that in 2023, the number of violent crimes was down. While crime levels grew slightly in the two-year period before then, they remained far below previous high points from 2015 to 2017.
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average.
Danville has condos right on Lake Vermilion on the north end of town.
1/2
Danville School District 118
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118 is rated a C on Niche. Private schools include the A-rated Schlarman Academy, a Catholic school serving grades seven through twelve. Niche gives First Baptist Christian a B-minus. Danville Area Community College is a two-year school with an enrollment of just under 2,000, while the Lakeview College of Nursing was established in 1894 and has an enrollment of about 120. It’s located a block from the area’s largest hospital, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center.
First Baptist Christian School serving kids pre-k through high school.
Schlarman Academy has many large donors to help the school grow, including the community.
1/2
Local shops and the Village Mall
The downtown area has locally owned businesses and restaurants, while the other retail section features chains and big-box retail stores north of downtown on Vermilion Road. The Village Mall is part of this corridor, has about 30 stores, and been open for about 50 years. “Someone recently bought the mall, and we’ll see what happens to it, but it’s seen better days,” Calamari says.
Country Market of Danville, IL is located in Village Mall and one stop shop for grocery.
Village Mall has a mix of big box stores and smaller retail and fast food restaurants.
1/2
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Otis Lazich,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Danville, IL sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Danville, IL over the last 12 months is $125,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the desirable Oakwood School District, this spacious home offers nearly 2,000 square feet of living space! Featuring 3 bedrooms with potential for a 4th bedroom on the upper level, plus 2 full bathrooms—one on each floor. The main level includes a large kitchen with granite countertops, updated cooktop, refrigerator and dishwasher, a separate dining area, and convenient main-floor
Wooded serenity meets abundant luxury at 35 Westwood Pl in Danville! Welcome to your private oasis nestled on 2.77 secluded acres, boasting more than 5,000 square feet of exceptional living space! This remarkable home features 5-bedrooms, 4.5-bathrooms, and a desirable primary suite. The primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a large soaking tub, walk-in shower, and spacious walk-in closet.
Welcome to this beautiful 3 bed, 1.5 bath home. This well maintained home offers timeless character with original hardwood floors throughout and 2 fireplaces, one in the Living room and one in the basement. The basement floor has been replaced in 2026 and all of the foundation re-enforcement has been inspected and adjusted in 2026. As well as some sealing of the walls. The basement is currently
Discover an exceptional combination of space, privacy and natural beauty at 15571 Riverwood Drive. Set on approximately 12 heavily wooded acres backing to the North Fork of the Vermilion River, this custom lodge-inspired estate offers approximately 7,200 square feet of finished living space with 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2 bonus rooms and a dedicated office. Recent exterior improvements add even
Step back in time while enjoying the comforts of a well-maintained home in this beautiful traditional Colonial Foursquare, built in 1907. Rich with craftsmanship and original details, this 2,808-square-foot home showcases beautifully refinished original woodwork, elegant arched doorways, a classic pocket door, leaded glass windows, and original marble surrounding the fireplace. The character and
The first floor features a large living room, spacious rec room, and a kitchen with newer appliances that opens to the dining room—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Three bedrooms on the main level including one off of the sunroom, creating a wonderful space for a home office, sitting room, or relaxing retreat or guest quarters. Two full bathrooms and laundry complete the main
Cute two bedroom one bath home with good sized kicthen and living room. Original hardwood floors. Sits on corner lot close to schools, hospital, and shopping. This property is now active in an online auction. All offers must be submitted through the property's listing page on www.auction.com. The sale will be subject to a 5% buyer's premium pursuant to the Auction Terms and Conditions (minimums
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath bungalow that offers comfort, functionality, and inviting living spaces. The main level features a spacious living room, a separate dining room perfect for entertaining, and a cozy family room ideal for relaxing with family and friends. The well-designed layout provides plenty of room for everyday living and gatherings alike. Step outside to enjoy
Enjoy peaceful country living just minutes from town with this spacious home on Denmark Road!This home offers 3 bedrooms plus a dedicated office that could easily serve as a 4th bedroom, and 2 full baths.The main level features a comfortable living room, kitchen, bedrooms, office, and a full bath for convenient one-level living. The finished basement adds incredible extra space with a
It’s easy to fall in love with this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home nestled along the park in Denvale West! Enjoy the best of summer in your very own in-ground pool, complete with a diving board and slide—perfect for cooling off, entertaining, and making memories! As you enter the home, you'll be greeted with vaulted ceilings in the living room and new flooring throughout. The spacious
Located in the desirable Oakwood School District, this spacious home offers nearly 2,000 square feet of living space! Featuring 3 bedrooms with potential for a 4th bedroom on the upper level, plus 2 full bathrooms—one on each floor. The main level includes a large kitchen with granite countertops, updated cooktop, refrigerator and dishwasher, a separate dining area, and convenient main-floor
**New Price** $2,990,000 - Turnkey Ready for New Owner!!Indian Springs Retreat is a Recreational & Estate dream that you must see to believe. The property has everything you could ask for in a private Estate including hunting, fishing, swimming, trails, horse-back riding with private access to state parks and passive income all located out your front door! Game includes mature buck
This gorgeous new construction home can be built just for you! Featuring a 3-bedroom, 2-bath modern farmhouse design, this home offers an open floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining. This home will be built by River Scape Homes LLC Custom Builders. They have been building custom homes in central Illinois and Indiana for 20 years. This home is listed to be built with upon
This beautifully restored building offers thoughtfully designed studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all meeting ADA accessibility standards. Enjoy the elegance of early 20th-century architecture paired with cutting-edge sustainability, including a geothermal heating and cooling system beneath the property’s parking area. Playground and library next door.With seven national
**Were Under New Management - Contact today for special pricing and leasing options!*Waterview Estates offers a superior location in the North Danville area. Located right off of Vermilion Street, access to employers in the area is easy. Restaurants and shopping are also very close by. The property have gone through some renovations recently, with some upgrades including: new kitchen
This Main Floor 1-Bedroom apartment features an open concept Kitchen/Living Room, Large Bedroom w/ Double Closets, Kitchen Appliances included (Fridge, Microwave & Stove) and Private Patio w/ additional storage. Common area Laundry Facility on-site. Pet Friendly! Tenant Pays Gas & Electric (separately metered). In addition to rent, Tenant pays an additional $50/month for Water/Trash/Sewer.
Located on the north end of Danville, we offer you the ease of convenient living. Just minutes to Kickapoo State Park, Lake Vermillion, Turtle Run Golf Course, Middlefork State Fish & Wildlife area, shopping, restaurants, banks and much more.Voted 2023 Best Apartments in Danville by The Commercial News!
An income restricted property providing housing for senior citizens as well as those with special needs, Vermillion House is comprised of one hundred and sixty (160) 1 Bedroom apartment homes located in a single 3-floor building. OUR WAIT LIST IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THOSE AGE 62 AND OVER AND FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AGED 18-49.
Property Id: 2412722 Beautiful antique Victorian house with 5 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. 1,600 sq ft, 2 story home fully furnished bedrooms, living areas and kitchen. Stocked completely with kitchen supplies, towels, and bed linens. Perfect for corporate sponsorship for traveling employees and executives, traveling medical professionals, patients, relocating families, etc. Great downtown
The advertised rate of $4,811/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 20, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
Property Id: 1469154 Welcome to your new home at 917 N Vermilion St., Apt C in Danville, IL! This charming 2 bed, 1 bath unit features modern amenities including a dishwasher, coin laundry, and more. Some utilities included. No pets allowed. Don't miss out on this cozy multi-family unit for $900/month.
Now leasing newly renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments at Magnolia Manor in North Danville. Our community is undergoing exciting renovations to both the apartment homes and common areas, offering residents modern living in a well-maintained community.These spacious apartments feature quality finishes, energy-efficient upgrades, and a comfortable floor plan designed for everyday
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
